Anita Kennett, for the CPS, said he had grabbed Ms Maxwell after pushing her, before losing control and going into the hallway where he caused damage to some of her property.

Nicholas had no previous convictions.

His solicitor Clare Moyle said the couple had been in a relationship for six and a half years, but had separated in July. She remained living at his home with his permission until she could find somewhere else to stay.

It had been a fairly difficult time for Nicholas because after their break-up Ms Maxwell had formed a new relationship and told him she was intending to get married and take three children with her to America.

He accepted that in taking the laptop on the night of October 11 he had used more force than was necessary, and said he had caused the damage to her property because he was angry.

Nicholas was given a conditional discharge and ordered to pay £135 costs and surcharge and £80 compensation. A restraining order was made for a year forbidding him from going to Ms Maxwell's home in Falmouth, and restricting his contact with her.